Tradition / Region: Chinese mythology
Alternative names: Rakshasa Bird
Category: Bird
The Myth
The Rakshasa Bird is a monstrous bird said to have been born from the accumulated evil essence of an abandoned graveyard. Slightly larger than a gray crane, it has a hooked beak, enormous snow-white claws, and glowing blue eyes. One of its most terrifying powers is the ability to transform into human form in order to deceive its victims.
According to a tale from the Zi Bu Yu, a bride was traveling to her wedding when a violent whirlwind rose from an ancient cemetery and surrounded her sedan chair. When she arrived at the groom’s home, a second bride—identical in appearance, clothing, and manner—stepped from the same sedan chair. Unable to distinguish the real bride from the impostor, the wedding proceeded with both women present.
That night, the false bride revealed her true nature. She tore out the groom’s eyes and attacked the real bride before transforming into a huge gray-black bird. As frightened servants rushed into the room, they saw the creature perched upon a beam with its hooked beak, white claws, and eerie blue eyes before it escaped into the darkness. Although the couple survived after months of recovery, both remained blind. Ever afterward, the Rakshasa Bird was feared as a shape-shifting demon that delights in devouring human eyes.
Sources
維基百科貢獻者. (n.d.). 羅剎鳥. In 維基百科，自由的百科全書. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%BD%97%E5%88%B9%E9%B8%9F